UMC Environmental Sustainability and Water Conservation

Question 1

Which term describes water that is lost from a distribution system before reaching the customer, including leaks, meter inaccuracies, and unbilled authorized consumption?

Accepted Answer

Non-revenue water

Answer

Reclaimed water

Answer

Grey water

Answer

Demand-side loss

Question 2

A utility implements increasing block rates where each higher tier of consumption is priced at a higher rate. What is the primary conservation goal of this rate structure?

Accepted Answer

Discourage excessive water use by making high consumption more expensive

Answer

Ensure all customers pay the same per-gallon rate

Answer

Eliminate fixed charges from customer bills

Answer

Maximize revenue during drought periods only

Question 3

Under the EPA's Water Security Initiative, what is the primary purpose of a water audit for a distribution system?

Accepted Answer

To quantify system losses and identify opportunities to reduce non-revenue water

Answer

To set customer billing rates for the next fiscal year

Answer

To document compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act

Answer

To evaluate the utility's financial statements

Question 4

Reclaimed water (recycled water) from a wastewater treatment plant is most commonly reused for which application under current U.S. utility practice?

Accepted Answer

Landscape irrigation and industrial cooling

Answer

Unfiltered potable drinking water

Answer

Aquifer storage without treatment

Answer

Swimming pool maintenance only

Question 5

Which federal law is the primary regulatory framework governing the quality of drinking water provided by public water systems in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

Answer

Clean Water Act (CWA)

Answer

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)

Answer

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Question 6

A utility's demand-side management (DSM) program offers rebates for high-efficiency washing machines. How does this program primarily benefit the utility?

Accepted Answer

It reduces peak demand and defers costly infrastructure expansion

Answer

It increases wastewater revenues immediately

Answer

It shifts billing responsibility to appliance manufacturers

Answer

It eliminates the need for source water protection

Question 7

Source water protection programs are designed to prevent contamination of which water sources?

Accepted Answer

Watersheds, aquifers, and surface water bodies that supply public water systems

Answer

Distribution mains and storage tanks within the utility system

Answer

Customer-owned private wells and cisterns

Answer

Treated water at the point of entry to the home